According to an affidavit unsealed last Tuesday, the
investigation began when an informant told the FBI about a text
message allegedly sent by Block reading: "Nice piece 5 yrs old
belongs to my gf and she wants to sell it."

Richards and Block crafted a deal that, in addition to the
apartment and used car, included childcare for Richards'
10-month-old daughter, whose sexual service the couple intended to
sell later, Rex Miller, the FBI's lead agent on the case,
testified.

The couple had also hoped to blackmail the informant, Miller
said.

Richards "was of the belief that these sexual interactions would
be a positive experience for (her daughter) and that Richards would
receive sexual gratification" from watching, according to the
affidavit.

Authorities said both children are no longer in Richards'
custody and that neither child was sold for sex.

After reviewing computers the couple used and listening to taped
conversations, Miller determined Block and Richards were making
further plans to abduct, rape and "carve up" a teenage runaway.

Block allegedly sent an email with a link to a Russian child
pornography site, according to the affidavit.

Ronald Guyer, Block's lawyer, acknowledged the severity of the
charges. But Guyer told the judge that there was no evidence that
the behaviour progressed beyond Block's fantasy.

"There has been no action on his part," Guyer told Nowak.

Richard's lawyer did not immediately return a call or email left
Sunday by The Associated Press seeking comment.

The couple worked at the Cheesecake Factory at North Star Mall,
where he was a bartender and she was a waitress.

Court records show that Block's now estranged wife Sarah Block
filed for a protective order earlier this week on behalf of the
couple's 14-month-old child. Her lawyer said she filed for divorce
on Friday.

AP

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